Van Torentje naar Torentje: political leaders visit campus for the fourth time

Van Torentje naar Torentje symbolises the connection between Twente and political The Hague, the two iconic towers at low water: the artwork on the University of Twente campus (Het Torentje van Drienerlo) and the prime minister’s office (Het Torentje) at the Binnenhof in The Hague. This connection is of great importance to both the University of Twente and Tubantia.

With this series of interviews, the University of Twente and Tubantia join forces to bring the election campaign to Twente. It brings the political arena closer to both the newspaper’s informed readers and the UT community, increasing engagement and stimulating dialogue between policymakers and the Twente public. The conversations are open to a live audience, who will have the chance to put the party leaders to the test with sharp questions.

Daan Bonenkamp, editor-in-chief of De Twentsche Courant Tubantia, is proud that once again party leaders are coming to Twente. Bonenkamp: “In the packed campaign schedules of politicians, it’s by no means a given that they also make time for a regional medium. It says something about the powerful series we have built together with the University of Twente.”

Bonenkamp: “Our approach has for years set itself apart from the hustle and bustle of The Hague. No rigid propositions, 30-second soundbites or polarising interviews here. We hold conversations that are critical but respectful, with substance at the centre – especially the themes that matter in Twente and the Achterhoek. In this way, we aim to inform our readers as best we can and help them make their choice in the voting booth. This is the ninth time we are welcoming party leaders. Cabinets have been falling faster in recent years than is good for the country. Problems are plentiful, also in our region, but politics hardly gets around to solutions. As valuable as our election series is, it would be good if this edition were the last for a while.”

Vinod Subramaniam, President of the Executive Board of the University of Twente, underlines the importance of keeping close ties with The Hague. Subramaniam: “Since 1961, students, staff and alumni of the University of Twente have been deeply engaged with society. We are always open to contact with policymakers in The Hague to help move the region forward.”
“Especially now, at a time when the value of science and higher education in national politics is under pressure, it is crucial to open our doors to politicians. Here, they not only meet the talent shaping our future but also see how we work together on solutions to societal challenges. I am proud that once again we can welcome key political figures to our campus and engage them in conversation with our students and staff. They have legitimate, critical questions, and we look forward to the debates.”

Just as two years ago, Ron Fresen, former political commentator for NOS, is one of the moderators of Van Torentje naar Torentje. Fresen: “I really enjoyed it last time. The format works well. Not debates, but in-depth conversations, and we engage with the audience too. With Bontenbal, Timmermans, Jetten and Yesilgöz, I’ll be talking to the ones that really matter. The main players, I suspect. I’m looking forward to it. A pity Wilders won’t be there.”